Rockford University appoints higher education veteran Michael P. Mihalyo as provost

ROCKFORD, Ill., March 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., has announced the appointment of Michael P. Mihalyo, Jr., D.M.A., as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective this summer.

Mihalyo has more than two decades of experience in higher education, and previously has filled the role of provost at two liberal arts colleges in West Virginia: Bethany College and Davis & Elkins College, where he was appointed president. Most recently, he served as president of the Kentucky-based Appalachian College Association.

"During the search process, I learned a great deal about Rockford University, especially during the campus interviews. I so enjoyed the time that I spent with students. I was quite impressed with the strong commitment of the faculty and staff to student learning and I deeply value their holistic approach to private liberal arts education," Dr. Mihalyo said. "I was honored and delighted by President Fulcomer's invitation to join the Rockford University community."

An accomplished musician, Dr. Mihalyo enjoyed an active career in chamber and church music prior to his faculty work. Of particular note, he conducted the St. Peter Festival Choir of Pittsburgh, Penn., for a series of services and concerts in Italy including Vatican City, Rome and the surrounding area. Dr. Mihalyo holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from West Virginia University and his master's and bachelor's degrees from Duquesne University, all in piano performance.

President Fulcomer notes Dr. Mihalyo's valuable leadership experiences will complement Rockford University's strategic goals.

"This search attracted a number of highly qualified candidates, and Dr. Mihalyo rose to the top of the pool. We are pleased to have someone with Michael's extensive background in academic administration to serve as our next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs," Dr. Fulcomer said. "His experience in curriculum design, accreditation work, and significant involvement in national and regional organizations will serve Rockford University well. The University will not be the only beneficiary of Michael's talents; I expect that he will quickly become an asset to the Rockford community, as well."

A search committee vetted more than 80 applicants received from a national search before eventually narrowing their options down to three finalists. Campus visits for all candidates were conducted in late February.

SOURCE Rockford University

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